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NCC, Stakeholders Brainstorm on Blockchain’s Benefits to Economy
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stakeholders in the academia, the public sector and enthusiasts of technology for development, have deliberated on the benefits derivable from emerging technologies such as Blockchain, to advance the growth of the Nigerian economy.
KANO FOCUS reports that at a recently-organised two-day workshop by the Commission, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), stakeholders were in accord that through effective implementation of policies as expressed in guidelines, regulations and directions driven by the NCC, Blockchain could be a bedrock of economic innovation and growth.
The workshop, which took place in Abuja and focused on ‘’Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain) Ecosystem, Decentralisation and Adoption Methods’’, drew participants from financial institutions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the academia, the Nigerian military, and paramilitary forces, the Nigerian Cyberwarfare Command, and the private sector.
Cross section of dignatries
The stakeholders, who spoke in turn at the workshop, acknowledged and profoundly appreciated the role of NCC in engendering a dynamic digital regulatory environment, the remarkable contribution to the growth and development of novel and emerging technologies, and NCC’s adoption of adaptive mechanisms that have enhanced emerging technologies in Nigeria.
Addressing a large audience at the event, NCC’s Director, New Media and Information Security, Dr. Haru Al-Hassan, who delivered the opening speech at the event, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said existing national digital economy frameworks such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030 instituted by the Federal Government as well as regulatory initiatives by the Commission, have been significant enablers of Blockchain and emerging technologies in the country.
According to Al- Hassan, “good regulatory policies are the bedrock of innovation and growth and it is the aspiration of the Commission that Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) otherwise known as Blockchain and other innovative technologies and services would continue to thrive and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Director-General, BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, informed the audience that the Nigerian government was already making efforts, through a number of initiatives, to harmonizing emerging technologies with the contemporary public service sector in a way that strengthens the efficiency of the public sector.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi
He also affirmed that Blockchain would be central in the implementation of the National e-Govt Masterplan.
The BPSR Chief Executive equally listed the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Bank Verification Number (BVN), automation of enforcement activities of some agencies of the government, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as automated performance measurement systems for public sector employees, as concrete examples of the utilisation of technology in the public sector.
Arabi asserted that Nigeria ranks third in Africa, in the use of telecommunications for public service delivery, coming behind South Africa and Egypt. Arabi called on policymakers to ensure robust policy formulation that ensures improved digital literacy and increased automation in public service delivery.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Abdul-Kareem Oloyede of University of Ilorin, Kwara State; Amaka Ukwueze and Vivian Okonkwo, both of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, and Col. Romi Legha of the Indian High Commission.
Oloyede, who clarified the difference between Blockchain and Bitcoin, stated that the former is the underlying technology used for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
He also stated that Blockchain could be utilised to minimise expenditure and expenses, speed up transactions, and improve data security for financial institutions, health care, and businesses.
Ukwueze particularly applauded the Commission for taking the lead in discussions on DLTs considering the fact that Nigeria does not have a clear-cut Blockchain policy yet, even though countries worldwide had begun integrating DLT as a central part of their business practices.
Cross section of dignatries
“Republic of Malta, a southern European island country, located in the south central region of the Mediterranean Sea, incorporated Blockchain into its digital and economic ecosystem. Also, China, Abu Dhabi, and Japan are also instituting DLT-friendly regulations in their governance processes,” Ukwueze said.
Accordingly, Ukwueze urged the Federal Government to adopt Blockchain deployment actively, promote legal certainty for Blockchain applications, and provide a flexible and adaptive regulatory environment that fosters innovation.
Conclusively, Ukwueze stated that “government’s regulatory enforcement processes must seek to encourage companies to be consumer-centric and ensure compliance”.
In her contribution to the discourse, Okonkwo said adoption of Blockchain technology would be essential in documentation, archiving, cloud storage, identity management, and online education.
Additionally, Okonkwo declared that blockchain is a cost-effective method of optimising the quality of the educational administrative processes, and equally a cost-effective application that could improve service delivery across the nation.
The DLT, such as Blockchain, DAG; Hashgraph; Holochain; Tempo (Radix), is a digital system for recording transactions of assets at multiple places simultaneously. The key features of DLT include: immutability (once written, it is extremely difficult to alter), and peer-to-peer sharing, in the sense that ledger is shared among peers while there is no central ownership.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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